sleep apnoea and problems with cpap

[stuart]

I have recently been diagnosed with OSA, and have been loaned a 'resmed
autoset spirit s8 cpap machine'. I have tried using it several times but have started to have problems from day 1, originally i was using a nasal mask but due to being a mouth breather had to change to a full face mask. however, this still didnt help, everytime i use the machine i have a few problems and would like some advice, i start to doze off then wake abruptly taking a big gasp of air, i end up with a headache and ear ache, when i get up i feel like i am drunk and wobble around my flat as i am dizzy, and this seems to take a few hours to subside, i have stopped using the machine at the moment as i dont feel right on it......................Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Joe McManus]

Hi Stuart! Welcome to the CPAP forums!

Some questions to help establish what might be causing your CPAP machine and mask problems:

1. Does your mask fit well? Or does it leak? It seems as if you are not getting enough air/oxygen.
2. What pressure does your machine start at and where does it go up to, seeing as it's an auto titrating machine. Too low a pressure with mask leaks could mean you aren't getting enough air to breathe in the first place. Too high a pressure could contribute to ear and head ache.
3. How clean is the air around you? An air purifier could help many CPAP patients.
4. Do you have blocked sinusses? Can you generally breathe OK?

[JackTheSnorer]

Do you have a humidifier? Do you have a dry mouth/dry eyes when or after using CPAP?